London
Veteran Indian cricketers Ravichandran Ashwin and Anil Kumble have expressed serious concerns over umpire Paul Reiffel’s decisions during the recently concluded Lord’s Test between England and India, hinting at a pattern of bias against the Indian team.
The controversy unfolded on Day 4 of the Test, with several close calls sparking heated debate. A particularly contentious moment occurred when Joe Root was adjudged not out by Reiffel to a Mohammed Siraj delivery, which replays revealed would have clipped the leg stump. In contrast, India captain Shubman Gill was declared out caught behind off Brydon Carse, a decision later overturned through the DRS.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin remarked, “My experience with Paul Reiffel… you need to talk to him, set him up. I’m not saying ask him to give it out, but whenever India bowls, he feels it’s not out. Whenever India bats, he feels it is out. If this happens against every team, the ICC must look into it.”
While Ashwin did not outright accuse Reiffel of partiality, he emphasized the need for the International Cricket Council (ICC) to review umpiring standards if such patterns continue. Former captain Anil Kumble echoed the sentiment during commentary, pointing to inconsistencies in on-field calls throughout the match. As discussions around umpiring fairness intensify, India’s players and fans await clarification from the ICC on potential action to ensure unbiased officiating in future fixtures.